SCHOOL OF DISOBEDIENCE
a few words
"I find the current art scene fundamentally boring, self-sufficient, and exclusionary. It's not surprising that so few people are interested in it. Contemporary art that can only be appreciated through mediation—such as descriptive texts, guided tours, or museum pedagogy—is not for the general public, but for a privileged segment of society. What’s missing is a radical reform: we need a contemporary art that is sincere, authentic, generous, and genuinely interesting to a wider audience. Rather than initiatives that attempt to promote art and make it more widely accessible, we need art that is inherently more approachable. I believe this reform can only happen through the reinvention of art education. The School of Disobedience is my attempt to do just that.
In my School of Disobedience, I encourage my students to stop trying to prove themselves and seeking validation. Stop being manipulated by the market, stop creating for open calls, stop adapting their art, and stop responding to trends! Instead, they should dare to be themselves: defy self-doubt, fearlessly follow their own path, and confidently embrace their unique artistic identity."
—Anna Ádám, Founder of the School of Disobedience
In my School of Disobedience, I encourage my students to stop trying to prove themselves and seeking validation. Stop being manipulated by the market, stop creating for open calls, stop adapting their art, and stop responding to trends! Instead, they should dare to be themselves: defy self-doubt, fearlessly follow their own path, and confidently embrace their unique artistic identity."
—Anna Ádám, Founder of the School of Disobedience
about
Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1983, I pursued dual academic paths, graduating from both ESSEC Business School (France) in 2007 and the École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts de Paris-Cergy (France) in 2016. A journey through different worlds and words shaped me and my language into the multidisciplinary artist, social entrepreneur, and community activist I am today.
As a multidisciplinary artist, over the past two decades, I've dedicated myself to building spaces, experiences, and communities around the dynamic and multifaceted research topic: differentiation, a quest toward autonomy and independence. Differentiation involves the process by which individuals forge their unique identities, emancipated from the shadows of parental or societal influence. Conflict often emerges during this quest for differentiation and self-realization. My research delves into both the internal and external, individual and collective battles faced during this process. I choreograph individuals grappling to reconcile their innermost desires and convictions with societal expectations or the beliefs of others (e.g., CLASH, Secret Garden, sorry not sorry...). External conflicts may manifest in clashes with authority figures, societal conventions, or relationships where deviation is seen as a threat or subversion (e.g., Right for Fight, UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA). I don't perceive conflict as inherently negative; rather, it's a vital catalyst for growth, empowering us to assert our autonomy, renegotiate boundaries, and carve out our agency. Conflict also serves as a crucible for heightened self-awareness, self-confidence, and resilience, as evidenced in the School of Disobedience community art project. Here, disobedience and differentiation intertwine, fueling a transformative process of self-discovery and empowerment. Through amplified peripheral discourses, marginalized aesthetics, and silenced voices, individuals challenge prevailing power structures and hegemonic norms. By directing disobedience inward, participants learn to defy themselves, challenging old patterns, automatic responses, and societal or familial conditioning. As they disobey low self-confidence and break free from entrenched habits, individuals confront the inner voice that says "you can't do it," asserting their independence and reshaping their identities. This transformative process cultivates a profound sense of resilience, empowering them to navigate conflicts with newfound confidence and determination.
As a woman social entrepreneur, my management philosophy is rooted in non-judgmental and non-oppressive models, prioritizing cooperation over competition. I believe in fostering supportive environments where individuals can thrive and contribute authentically. My journey to financial and artistic emancipation was wrought with closed doors, hollow promises, and relentless competition in a world devoid of genuine action. Disillusioned with institutional constraints, I chose to forge my path, standing firm on my principles and constructing my own sanctuary of beliefs and values. Step into this parallel reality with me at the School of Disobedience!
As a community activist in the field of non-formal education, armed with somatic practices, unlearning methodologies, and critical pedagogy, I aim to cultivate responsibility, foster independence, and empower participants to reclaim their artistic voice and personal aesthetic outside the confines of conventional academia, capitalism, and canonical norms. Radical acceptance and self-liberation serve as the bedrock of my praxis, nurturing a sense of belonging and empowerment among all participants.
As a multidisciplinary artist, over the past two decades, I've dedicated myself to building spaces, experiences, and communities around the dynamic and multifaceted research topic: differentiation, a quest toward autonomy and independence. Differentiation involves the process by which individuals forge their unique identities, emancipated from the shadows of parental or societal influence. Conflict often emerges during this quest for differentiation and self-realization. My research delves into both the internal and external, individual and collective battles faced during this process. I choreograph individuals grappling to reconcile their innermost desires and convictions with societal expectations or the beliefs of others (e.g., CLASH, Secret Garden, sorry not sorry...). External conflicts may manifest in clashes with authority figures, societal conventions, or relationships where deviation is seen as a threat or subversion (e.g., Right for Fight, UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA). I don't perceive conflict as inherently negative; rather, it's a vital catalyst for growth, empowering us to assert our autonomy, renegotiate boundaries, and carve out our agency. Conflict also serves as a crucible for heightened self-awareness, self-confidence, and resilience, as evidenced in the School of Disobedience community art project. Here, disobedience and differentiation intertwine, fueling a transformative process of self-discovery and empowerment. Through amplified peripheral discourses, marginalized aesthetics, and silenced voices, individuals challenge prevailing power structures and hegemonic norms. By directing disobedience inward, participants learn to defy themselves, challenging old patterns, automatic responses, and societal or familial conditioning. As they disobey low self-confidence and break free from entrenched habits, individuals confront the inner voice that says "you can't do it," asserting their independence and reshaping their identities. This transformative process cultivates a profound sense of resilience, empowering them to navigate conflicts with newfound confidence and determination.
As a woman social entrepreneur, my management philosophy is rooted in non-judgmental and non-oppressive models, prioritizing cooperation over competition. I believe in fostering supportive environments where individuals can thrive and contribute authentically. My journey to financial and artistic emancipation was wrought with closed doors, hollow promises, and relentless competition in a world devoid of genuine action. Disillusioned with institutional constraints, I chose to forge my path, standing firm on my principles and constructing my own sanctuary of beliefs and values. Step into this parallel reality with me at the School of Disobedience!
As a community activist in the field of non-formal education, armed with somatic practices, unlearning methodologies, and critical pedagogy, I aim to cultivate responsibility, foster independence, and empower participants to reclaim their artistic voice and personal aesthetic outside the confines of conventional academia, capitalism, and canonical norms. Radical acceptance and self-liberation serve as the bedrock of my praxis, nurturing a sense of belonging and empowerment among all participants.
from empowerment to activism
Self-empowerment is the first step in political activism. If you want to see profound changes in the collective landscape, start with yourself. Individual growth isn't just about personal fulfillment; it can be a powerful catalyst for societal change. By fostering your own development, you can create ripples of impact that resonate far beyond your immediate circle. The journey towards self-empowerment is a transformative process that equips you with the tools, confidence, and vision to effect meaningful change in your community and beyond. It’s about understanding your own value, recognizing your potential, and leveraging these insights to challenge oppressive systems and inspire others to join the cause.
True political activism begins within, urging us to dismantle our own biases, challenge preconceived notions, and expand our understanding of the world. As you undergo this personal transformation, you'll find yourself better equipped to tackle societal issues, engage in constructive dialogue, and foster inclusive communities that reflect the values of equality and justice.
The School of Disobedience encourages students to see themselves as agents of change. By aligning personal growth with collective action, we can create a ripple effect that challenges the status quo and leads to societal impact.
True political activism begins within, urging us to dismantle our own biases, challenge preconceived notions, and expand our understanding of the world. As you undergo this personal transformation, you'll find yourself better equipped to tackle societal issues, engage in constructive dialogue, and foster inclusive communities that reflect the values of equality and justice.
The School of Disobedience encourages students to see themselves as agents of change. By aligning personal growth with collective action, we can create a ripple effect that challenges the status quo and leads to societal impact.
my method
I have developed a unique and disruptive method that transforms how artists approach their craft and careers. My approach is structured around three core principles: Unlearning & Relearning, Empowerment, and Transformation. This method is designed to break down the barriers of conventional thinking and enable artists to realize their full potential.
I. UNLEARNING & RELEARNING
My method begins with a foundational process of unlearning and relearning. This involves stripping away the ingrained habits, limiting beliefs, and self-depreciating truths that often stifle creativity and personal growth. These could be negative conditioning from family, school, or environment, and societal expectations that do not push us forward but keep us confined. It’s about creating a blank canvas from which genuine self-discovery and artistic innovation can emerge.
Step 1: Self-awareness
The journey starts with self-awareness. I guide artists to explore fundamental questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? What do I truly want? This step involves deep introspection and reflection, helping artists understand their unique backgrounds, influences, and aspirations. By uncovering their authentic selves, artists lay the groundwork for a more genuine and impactful creative expression.
Step 2: Self-acceptance
Once self-awareness is achieved, the next step is self-acceptance. This is the recognition that "I am enough." I encourage artists to embrace their imperfections and unique qualities, fostering a sense of worthiness and confidence. This acceptance is crucial for breaking free from external validation and societal expectations, allowing artists to pursue their true passions with conviction.
Step 3: Self-liberation
The final step in this phase is self-liberation. With a strong sense of self and an acceptance of their intrinsic value, artists are empowered to liberate themselves from the constraints of traditional art paradigms and gatekeeping mechanisms. This liberation is not just about creative freedom but also about reclaiming control over their artistic journey and career trajectory.
II. EMPOWERMENT
Empowerment is the second pillar of my method. Once artists have unlearned limiting beliefs and rediscovered their authentic selves, they are ready to be empowered with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the art world on their own terms.
My empowerment process involves practical and strategic guidance. Artists learn how to create their own opportunities, develop sustainable practices, and build networks that reflect their values and goals. This empowerment is about equipping artists with the skills to be self-reliant and proactive, ensuring they can thrive without dependency on traditional institutions or external approval.
III. TRANSFORMATION
The culmination of my method is transformation. This is where the profound changes in self-perception and artistic practice come to fruition. Artists not only evolve in their craft but also in their mindset, embracing a new paradigm of radical independence and self-sufficiency.
Transformation in my method is holistic. It encompasses personal growth, artistic innovation, and professional development. Artists emerge from the process not just as better creators, but as empowered individuals who are capable of driving their own success and contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic art world.
I. UNLEARNING & RELEARNING
My method begins with a foundational process of unlearning and relearning. This involves stripping away the ingrained habits, limiting beliefs, and self-depreciating truths that often stifle creativity and personal growth. These could be negative conditioning from family, school, or environment, and societal expectations that do not push us forward but keep us confined. It’s about creating a blank canvas from which genuine self-discovery and artistic innovation can emerge.
Step 1: Self-awareness
The journey starts with self-awareness. I guide artists to explore fundamental questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? What do I truly want? This step involves deep introspection and reflection, helping artists understand their unique backgrounds, influences, and aspirations. By uncovering their authentic selves, artists lay the groundwork for a more genuine and impactful creative expression.
Step 2: Self-acceptance
Once self-awareness is achieved, the next step is self-acceptance. This is the recognition that "I am enough." I encourage artists to embrace their imperfections and unique qualities, fostering a sense of worthiness and confidence. This acceptance is crucial for breaking free from external validation and societal expectations, allowing artists to pursue their true passions with conviction.
Step 3: Self-liberation
The final step in this phase is self-liberation. With a strong sense of self and an acceptance of their intrinsic value, artists are empowered to liberate themselves from the constraints of traditional art paradigms and gatekeeping mechanisms. This liberation is not just about creative freedom but also about reclaiming control over their artistic journey and career trajectory.
II. EMPOWERMENT
Empowerment is the second pillar of my method. Once artists have unlearned limiting beliefs and rediscovered their authentic selves, they are ready to be empowered with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the art world on their own terms.
My empowerment process involves practical and strategic guidance. Artists learn how to create their own opportunities, develop sustainable practices, and build networks that reflect their values and goals. This empowerment is about equipping artists with the skills to be self-reliant and proactive, ensuring they can thrive without dependency on traditional institutions or external approval.
III. TRANSFORMATION
The culmination of my method is transformation. This is where the profound changes in self-perception and artistic practice come to fruition. Artists not only evolve in their craft but also in their mindset, embracing a new paradigm of radical independence and self-sufficiency.
Transformation in my method is holistic. It encompasses personal growth, artistic innovation, and professional development. Artists emerge from the process not just as better creators, but as empowered individuals who are capable of driving their own success and contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic art world.